Duplicating machine



5 shets-sneet 1 ATTORNE March 31 1942. B. D. GILBERT DUPLICATING MACHINE Filed Feb. 16, 1940 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 ai ,g lNvENToR A Mld March 31, 1942. B. D. GILBERT 'DUPLICATING MACHINE Filed Feb. 16, 1940 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 l... f |.Ia H H Q NIMN ,/flL//Jvvwvvvvvvvuwwwwmn m u m, v. Vl e N5 M/B f m iN Nw mw nl mm mw S um wm @mln Nm uw K .V Nr d k www; N n M s m QN@ H mw. mm .S @n wm l.li|% l' |1 E l I llLr ik L ,ff. f ,I :f n ...Jj .2-2, ,\f wf f wh $1 MOS www NN March 31, 1942. B4. D. GILBERT,

DUPLICATING MACHINE 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Feb. 1.*6, 1940 SYM@ ATTORNEYS' March/3l, 1942.

B. D. GILBERT DUPLIATING MACHINE 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Feb. 16, 1940 INVEN'I R efgafffzh (1f/Zai ATTORNEYS` l I Patented Mar. 31, 1942 UNITED STATES PATENT' OFFICE- DUPLICATING MACHINE Benjamin D. Gilbert,l New York, N. Y.

Application February 16, 1940, Serial No. 319,335

` 37 claims. (etici-132.5)

This invention relates to improvements in duplicating machines particularly liquid hectographic duplicating machines in which the' record to be duplicated is made on a master sheet of paper or vsimilar material in reverse, with;V

suitable dissolvable copying'ink, theV duplicates being made therefrom asv positive copies on copy sheets of paper or the like.

In duplicating machines of this type, themaster sheet is usually attached to a cylinder, the copy sheets being moistenedby a liquid of such a character-as to be capable of dissolving` a portion of the copy ink appearing on the master sheet, whereupon said moistened copy sheet is pressed against the reverse side of' the master sheet as by passing' itibetween the-master sheet cylinder and a; pressure'roller, rwhereby the. desired positive duplicate is formed upon theA copy sheet.

It is an object of this invention to provide a tank for the solvent fluidthe top of which serves asa feeding table for the copy sheets.

Another object is to' provide such a tank which may be moved out of the way when'not in use.

Another object of the invention is' to provide means for controllingthelv port between the'tank and the mcistening compartment together with closure means for closing said port; said port being opened automatically as an incidentl to the movement of the tank from operative to inoperative position, and said port being opened automatically as an incident to the movement of the tank from inoperative to operative position. Y

Another object is to provide a moistening roller partly immersed in liquid in said moistening compartment together withv suitable wiping means serving to wipe o excessH fluid from said moistening roller, said wiping meansbeing arranged in a recess and being so constructed and arranged that it may loe-stored in said recess in an ineffective position when themachine is not in use to reduce evaporation of the uid. l

Another object of the invention is to provide Another object is to provide a comb-ined iiuid 2liV a removable wall for one side of said recess,

whichwall may be formed asv a' slide overlying the copy paper table.

Another object is to provide a filler opening and closure therefor inthe top of the tank so located as to be coveredA by said slide when the slide is in normal operative position.

Another object of the invention is to provide a' plurality of means for-pressing the copy paper against the moisteningroller, said means con.- sisting preferably ofy spring. ngersfor of round weights, such as balls of metal, glass, or. other vmaterial not sub-ject to attack by the moistening vfluid, which ballsare prefer-ably arranged in an It is a further object-toprovide an improved -copy paper receiving means including a `paper stopvtogethery with meansV for removing said stop at the desired time in the. operation of the machine. y

Other objects of the. invention are to generally improve machines of this type, which. objects will appear from the following description and the accompanying drawings whichillustrate .a preferred form of the invention and certain modiiications thereof, said drawings and de.-

y cription being intended merely as illustrating and explaining the invention and not as limitative.

In the said drawings:

Fig. 1 is a plan View, partly broken away, of an illustrative .embodiment .of the invention;

Fig, 2 is a vertical longitudinal section of the machine shownin Fig. l on line 2-2 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 shows a rearelevationof the machine;

Fig. 4 is a partial sectional view taken along the line 4 4 of Fig. 2 lookingY inthe direction of the arrows; L n

Fig. 5 is a partial sectional view taken along the line 5 5 of Fig. 2 looking in the direction of the. arrows;

Fig. 6 is a partial longitudinal sectional View, on a slightly enlarged scale,.showing a. modied form cf means for pressing the paper against the combined moistening and feeding roller;

Fig. '7 is a transverse sectional view taken along the line 'I-T of Fig. 8, the form of master copy cylinder being slightly modified;

Fig. 8 is a partial longitudinal sectional view taken along the line 8--3 of Fig. '7 looking in the direction of the arows, the paper clamping means being shown in effective position;

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary view of the paper clamping means on an enlarged scale, the clamping means being shown in ineiective position;

Fig. 10 is a partial plan view of a modified form of construction looking down upon the line Ill- Iii of Fig. 11; and

Figs. 1l and 11a are views taken along the line II-II of Fig. l0, looking in the direction of the arrows.

Referring to said drawings, the numeral II indicates the left side plate; the numeral I2 the right side plate. Numerals I3, I4, I5, and I6 indicate suitable tie rods for connecting the side plates and forming therewith the frame of the machine. I'I indicates a tie bar connecting the side plates II and I2 and serving also as a support for pressure roller adjusting means to be described later.

The numeral 20 designates the master cylinder upon which the master copy 2th is mounted. In the form shown, the cylinder is supported by a shaft 2| which extends across the machine, being journaled in the side plates or suitable bearing bushings mounted therein. Mounted on said shaft 2| is a gear 22 fastened to said shaft as by pin 23 and meshing with an idler pinion 24 which is mounted as upon a stud 25 carried by the side plate I2. 25 indicates another gear which meshes with the gear 24 and is carried upon a shaft 27. which, in the` form shown, lextends across the machine and is provided on one end with an operating crank 28, or other suitable driving means.

The numeral 30 indicates a moistening roller which is normally immersed in a solvent uid in a compartment or trough to be described later,

are downwardly extending arms 45, preferably formed integrally with a transverse beam member 45 of suitable spring material. Bearing Bearing upon said journals. and preferably pivotally connected therewith` against said spring beam member 46 is a suitable l v and it will be readily seen that b v adjusting set screw 41 the stress applied to spring 45 may be varied so as to vary. as desired, the pressure of the pressure roller lil against the master cylinder 20.

Referring to Figs. 1 to 3, it will be seen that a: spring arm 49 is carried by the right hand side plate and that said spring arm carries an extension 5l) which normally bears in a depression in the face of the large gear 22 carried by the master cylinder.

lining means. Assuming that the machine is This serves to provide a cycle dehand operated, it will be seen that when the crank 28 has been rotated sufficiently far to cause the master cylinder to make one complete turn, the extension 50 will drop into the depression and serve as a detent, indicating that the cycle has been completed.

Considering the parts described thus far, it will be noted that when the crank 28 is turned in the direction indicated by the arrow the extension 50 will be forced out of its depression and the master cylinder 20 will be rotated through gears 2B, 24, 22, and that the moistening roller 30 (which is also a paper feed roller) Will be rotated in the same direction at approximately the same surface speed. Furthermore, the pressure roller 40 will be rotated on account of its contact with the m-aster cylinder (or master sheet) so that if a sheet of copy paper has been fed to position between the rollers 2B and 40, it will be drawn therebetween, thus causing it to be pressed against the master copy carried by the master cylinder, being gradually advanced until it falls out on the copy paper tray 5I (Fig. 2).

Suitable means are provided to cause the copy paper to be pressed against the moistening roller. A particularly simple, convenient, cheap and effective means for this purpose is shown in the drawings. Referring to Figs. 1, 2, 7, and 8, particularly, this is accomplished by means of a plurality of round Weights in the form of balls of metal, glass, porcelain, plastic, or other similar suitable material, which are shown contained in an inverted channel 6I having a top wall 62 and converging front and back walls 63 and 64. The ends of the channel member BI are suitably supported as by having them attached to the side plates II and I2. It will be seen that the entire weight of the balls 60 is supported upon the moistening roller 30 when no paper is passing between them but that when paper is being fed forwardly therebetween the balls are slightly raised so that their weight serves to press the copy paper against the moistening roller. Since the balls are separate units they will readily adjust themselves to any variation in thickness of the paper so that even if one of the balls should be raised by a protuberance on the paper, the remaining balls will not be thereby lifted from the paper so that the copy paper is always properly pressed against the moistening roller so that reliable, even moisteningof the paper will always occur. As shown. the walls 63 and 64 are preferably made convergent so that the balls cannot fall out when the channel is removed from the machine. This also facilitates assembly.

In the modified form shown in Fig. 6, the numeral 65 indicates one of a plurality of spring lingers, preferably made of spring wire, carried by a cross bar 65 supported preferably by the side plates II and l2. These spring ngers serve to press the copy paper againstthe moistening roller 3l) and, as in the case of balls 60, they are so arranged that they may individually adapt themselves to any inaccuracies or unevenness in the paper.

The numeral 'I0 designates a fluid containing compartment or trough within which the moistening roller 3U is located. This compartment may be of any desired construction, suitable means being provided to supply fluid thereto to a level suciently high to insure that the bottom of the roller is immersed therein. The numeral 7| indicates any suitable Wiper, preferably made of soft absorbent material such as felt and/or leather; whichservesto-wipe offv excessfiuid from the roller 30 and to spreadv theA remaining fluid evenly.

In order to secure certain advantages which will become apparent later, it is desirable to form the trough 70 as a'unit witha fluid storage tank, such as the tank 15. Thistank is shown as comprising a bottom '16, which bottom may extend forwardly to form the bottom of the iiuid trough 'i0 and end walls and a top wall'18. Suitable side walls Tia are also provided. The forward portion of the storage tank is bounded by the vertical wall' 79- which' is preferably turned rearwardly to form the horizontal wall 80 and then turned upwardly to form the balance 8| of the front wall which is preferably integral with the top l; 32 indicates a ller opening closed by any suitable closure, such as the screw 83. A suitable port such as the slot 85 (see also Fig. 4) is formed in the wall i9 to permit at certain times the flow of fluid from the storage tank into the troughA 10. As the storage tank is hermetically sealed except for this port 85, the level of the uid in the trough is never more than slightly above the top of port 85, since when this point is reached air can no longer enter the tank. Therefore, the now ceases and will not be resumed until the fluid level in trough 10 has dropped sufficiently low to permit air to enter through the upper portion of port 85. struction therefore provides a' fountain which automatically supplies fluid to-the trough 10 and automatically maintains the desired level therein.

The tank and connected parts are shown as mounted pivotally about the axis of the moistening roller 30, the tank being held in the operative position shown in full lines in Fig. 2 by means of a support 90' pivotally connected as upon tie rod I4 and having an upper'portion 9| upon which the tank may rest. The portion 9| is preferably provided with a downward extension 92 which will serve to limit the forward movement of the pivoted support by contact with the tie rod i3. At its lower end, the member 90 is also preferably provided with a forward extension 93 which underlies the tank and serves to support it in its ineiective position shown in dotted lines in Fig. 2.

It will be noted that when the machine is not in use the supporting lever 90 may be drawn rearwardly and the tank permitted to drop from effective to ineffective dotted line position. When this occurs, the liquid in the trough 10 will flow back into the tank through the port 85. As the port 85 may be made rather small, the evaporation of the liquid during non-use of the machine is Very small. However, in ord-er to reduce evaporation still further, means have been provided for automatically closing the port 85 when the tankis dropped to ineffective position. For this purpose, a rod 95 (see 'Figs'. 2.' 4, and 6), isA provided, which rod extends across the trough 'l0 and its ends may be engaged by the cam lugs 96 and 91, the lug 96 being. carried by side plate I2 and the lug 97 by side plate that as the tank is dropped, the lug 96 willv serve to push rod 95 to the right (as viewed in Fig. 4) and that when the tank is raised, lug 9'! will serve to return the rod 95 to the position shown' in Fig. 4. `Said rod is formed with a closure `plate 98 which is so positioned as to overlie and substantially close the port 35 when the tankl is dropped to ineffective position. The plate. 98 does not hermetically seal the port 85 so that the fluid in trough 10 may seep back through This con- It will be seen rextending fingers |06a and port; 85. in. due. time.' Howevergxwhen the niachinewis to .be placed inr operation, the'port. 85

will be.r opened wi'defsoY that' flui'dmay reach the trough 'lquickly soitha-t'there willbe-no delay in conditioning'the machine for operation.

By referring toFi'gs. 2 and Gparticularly, it will be noted that the wiper H` is received ina channel member |00 consisting of an upper wall |0I0a, a rear wall |0027, and a bottom wall |000, which latter wall rests upon the horizontal wall 00 forming a portion of the tank. Side walls |00d (Fig. 1) may be lprovided to vform a closed box. Loca-tedv'behind the channel member |00 is a spring or a lplurality of springs |0| (Fig. 1) which may be secured to the vertical wall |0019 of the channel. |00 or to the wall 8| of the tank, and which springs serve normally to -press the wiper element H forwardly into contact with the moistening roller 30. The channel |00 is preferably held downwardly by means of a plate |05 whichv overlies the top 18 of the tank 'l5 and is provided at its ends with downwardly extending arms .|06 and |01 (see Fig. 4), having inwardly |0'|a, respectively. The. plate |05 is therefor'slidably arranged with respect to the tank and it may, when desired, be slid to the right, asviewed in Fig. 2, so as to release the wiper-carrying channel |00, and if moved sufficiently far will expose the llercap 83 to permit refilling of the tank. vWhen the machine is not infuse the wiper'and its carrying channel |00fare preferably turned into another positionl such as a. reverse position, so that the fluid absorbed in the wiper material will not be exposed to evaporation; This'construction has the very desirable effect thatv even though the machine h'as been inactive; for along timeit may be madeA ready for immediate use by merely'reversing thev wiper member from vits'in'active storage position to the active position shown in Figs. 2 and 6; Since the moisture has lbeen retained therein, the machine is immediately ready for use. It has beenfound that if the wiper is permitted to dry out during non-use, it will take a considerable period of time and a number of idle operations of the machine to put the wiper in such condition that the copy paper will be properlyv moistened to producesuitable copies,

As seen in Figs. land 2a copypaper edge guide |050'l is provided, being formed integrally with `slidel |05 or fixedly or transversely adjustably. attached to the slide |05, or, if preferred, to the tank top 18.

It will be noted that thetop 78. of tank l5 serves as .a table for the copy paper. When long, such as legal size, copypaper is used an extension of the copy paper table may be needed. For this purpose I may provide an extension leaf |0512 (Figs. 1 and2) consisting of sheet metal or other suitable Imaterial, normally overlying the table but hieldl thereon by downwardly extending side arms |05-b and |011) having inwardly extending fingers or flanges 156C and ldlc which slida'bly engage the tank 75. When its use is required th-e extension leaf or plate is drawn downwardly as shown in'Figs. 1 and 2. y

It maybe preferable to locate the filler opening at about the point shown in dotted lines in Fig. 2. This has the advantage that when the tank is iilled (while in its dropped position) until the fluid rises in the filler opening, the amount of liquid will be just the amount which can be accommodated in the tank proper, so that none will reach the trough while the tank is in dropped position.

In the form shown in Fig. 2, the master cylinder 20 is shown as provided with a slot 20a to receive the end of the master sheet. While this construction is reasonably satisfactory, it is frequently better to provide a definite clamping means. Such a clamp of improved construction is shown in Figs. '1, 8, and 9. Upon reference thereto, it will be noted that the master cylinder |20 consists of a cylindrical portion |20a carried upon end disks |2| and |22 mounted upon the shaft 2|. By reference to Figs. 8 and 9, it will be noted that the cylindrical portion |20a is provided With a narrow slot |23 which diverges inwardly. One of said divergent walls |2311 serves as one of the jaws for the paper clamp, the other jaw consisting of a bar |23b of rubber or other similar material and extending preferably the length of the cylinder. Said rubber v clamping member |2312 is preferably backed by means of an angle bar |24, one leg of which extends beyond the rubber as shown at |25 and serves as a stop, assuring that the paper can be inserted a certain predetermined distance only. The cross bar |24 is rmly attached to two levers |26 and |21 which are attached to a cross shaft |28 journaled in the disks |2| and |22. It will be seen therefore that when the parts are in the position shown in Fig. 9, the clamp jaws are separated and the master sheet 2012 may be inserted as shown. If, however, the parts are moved to the position shown in Fig. 8, the rubber bar I23b will bear against the paper, clamping it against the surface |23a. Any suitable means may be provided for holding the arms |26 and |21 in either position of adjustment. A desirable form of construction is the provision of a spring |30 bearing between an abutment |3| formed on the disks |2|, |22, and bearing at its other end against an extension |32 on the arms |26 or |21. v

It will be noted that the arms |26 and |21 are provided respectively with extensions` |26a and |21a which extent beyond the cylinder |2llal and may serve as handles which may be moved to manipulate the clamping means. It will be seen that if the clamping means is moved from one position to the other, the springs |30, as soon as the center point is passed will serve to complete the motion and to hold the clampingparts in the position to which they have been adjusted whether this be the clamping position or the open position. This form of clamping means has, as one of its advantages, the fact that very little of the cylinder surface is cut away so that the original cylinder is available in almost its entire periphery as the surface co-acting with the pressure roller. This avoids the usual construction in which it is necessary to form the clamping member cylindrically to replace that portion of the cylinder which it was necessary to cut way.

In Figs. l and 1l are shown a modified form of construction in which the individual means for pressing the copy paper against the moistening roller 30 are positively lifted to permit the insertion of the copy paper therebetween. In the form shown, this is conveniently accomplished by mounting the channel 62a upon pivots B2b at its ends and providing mechanism for rocking the channel. In the normal position shown in Fig. 11, the channel 52a is shown as swung forwardly, lifting the balls 60 from the roller 30. It will be noted that the rear edge of the channel is provided with extensions 52e separated by notches 62d. These extensions serve as stops for the copy paper sheets, assuring that the copy paper is always advanced to the same initial position.

This rocking of the channel is accomplished by means of a lever |40 pivoted as on a stud |4| upon one of the side plates such as the side plate Il. Suitable spring means such as the spring |42 is provided tending to rock the lever |40 counter-clockwise. The forward end of said lever is interconnected with the channel member 62a as by passing into a slot therein. The rear end of said lever |40 cooperates with a cam member |44 which may, if desired, be xedly secured to the master cylinder. However, in order to permit reverse rotation of the master cylinder, which may occasionally be desirable, the cam member |44 is preferably pivoted to the master cylinder as by a stud |45 in one of the end disks of the master cylinder, and a spring |46 is provided to hold the cam against a suitable stop such as the pin |41.

It will be noted that when the master cylinder is rotated in the direction indicated by the arrow, its normal direction of rotation, the cam |44 will lift the tail of lever |40 rocking it clockwise and thereby rocking the channel member 62a counter-clockwise to the full line position shown in Fig. l1. This is preferably the position of these Darts when the machine has reached the end of a cycle of operation at which time the projection 50 rests in its depression' in the gear 22. This is the time when a new sheet of paper is fed forward. It will be noted that the balls have been lifted away from the moistening roller 30 and that the extensions 62e are in position to serve as aA stop for the paper. The paper having been fed against said stop the machine is operated. As soon as the master cylinder has rotated sumciently far to cause the cam |44 to move from under the tail of lever |40 the lever will rock counter-clockwise under the action of spring 42 rocking the channel member 62a clockwise to the dotted line position shown in Fig. l1. During this motion the paper stops 62e are Withdrawn rearwardly and upwardly to free the paper and at the same time the balls 60 have come down to bear upon the paper so that further operation of the machine will cause the paper to be fed forwardly by the action of roller 30 until its leading edge is caught between the master cylinder and the pressure roller 40 causing the moistened lower side of the-copy sheet to be rmly pressed against the master copy causing an impression to be made thereon.

In order to make sure that the leading .edge of the copy paper will be clear of the paper stops a suitable comb consisting of the cross bar |50 formed with a plurality of forwardly extending fingers |5| may be provided. These fingers pass through the slots 62d in the channel member and extend more or less between the balls and serve to guide the paper toward the master cylinder.

It will be noted by reference to Figs. 1l and 11a that the front Wall of the tank instead of the step formation shown in Figs. 2 and 6 may consist of a generally vertical wall 19a formed with the port near its bottom edge. This construction permits the disposition of the Wiper channel member in a vertical position while the machine is not in use as is shown in Fig. 11a. In this form of construction, supporting lugs |0050 are formed or provided one at each end of the trough 10. These lugs perform a double function, When the channel member |00 is in the operative position shown in Fig. 1l the ends of its upper Wall .of the channel member yoverlie `and rest upon lugs |003: so that the channel member is slidablyl supported andmay be pressed against the moistening roller 30 by meansy of spring lill. However, it will be noted that the rear edges of lugs |001' are so located that when the channel member is stowed away in the position shown in Fig. 11a it will serve to hold the channel in that position. The springs Illl `are thereupon v.pressed down and the slide moved forwardly thus serving to secure the channel member and wiper in the position shown where the wiper material will be almost hermetically sealed to prevent drying. Furthermore, the wiper material serves to close the vport 85 from the atmosphere so that evaporation of fluid in the tank is prevented.

By reference to the drawings, particularly Fig. 8, it will be noted that the balls 60 press upon the roller 3i) at a point forwardly of the top thereof. This has been found very desirable as the paper is caused to be bent slightly around the roller causing a greater area of contact than would be than the surface of the master cylinder or |20. In that event the copy paper is dragged slightly over the moistening roller causing a more even spreading of the fluid on the copy paper.

In operation, the material, to be multiplied is formed in reverse upon the master sheet 20D of paper or other material by any known or desired method. The master sheet is thereupon placed about the master cylinder, its leading edge being clamped in position and its trailing edge being fastened, if desired, by any desired means such as by applying a strip of material coated with a pressure sensitive adhesive. The fluid supply tank having been previously filled, it is moved into the effective position shown in full lines in L sufficient ink material thereon is dissolved and f transferred to the copy sheet to make a clear, legible copy of the original material in positive form. y

While in the accompanying drawings and the above description I have shown and described a form of embodiment of my invention and at least one modification thereof, I do not, however, wish to be limited to the forms shown, as these which copying ink on a master sheet which machine is provided with means for moistening with a dissolving fluid the under face of said copy sheet comprising a transversely mounted moistening rol1er.1and means for wetting saidl moistening roller the combination therewith of a `plurality of weights located above said moisteningroller and means for limiting the movement of said weights ina 'direction longitudinally of the machine, whereby when a copy sheet is inserted between said moistening roller and said weights and the roller turned, said sheet is fed forwardly while being held against saidroller by said weights whereby said sheet is uniformly wetted.

2. In a machine for duplicating on a copy sheet matter imprinted in reverse with dissolvable copying ink on a master rsheet which machine is v provided with means for moistening `with a dissolving fluid the under face of'said copy sheet comprising a transversely mounted moistening roller and means for 'wetting said moistening roller the combination therewith of a plurality of rollable weights located above saidy moistening roller and means for limiting the movement of said weights in ya direction longitudinally of the machine, whereby when a copy sheet is inserted between said moistening roller and said weights and the roller turned, said sheet is fed` forwardly while being held against said roller by'said rollable. weights whereby said ksheet isuniformly wetted.

3. In a machine for duplicating on a copy sheet matter imprinted reverse with dissolvable copying ink on a master sheet which machine is provided with meansfor moisteningfwith` a dissolving fluid the under'face of said copy sheet s comprising a transversely mounted moistening roller land means. for wetting said moistening roller the combination therewith of a plurality `of spherical weights located above said moistening roller `and means for limiting the movement of said weights in a direction longitudinally of themachine, wherebywhen a copy sheet is inserted between said moistening roller and said weights and the roller turned, said sheet is fed forwardly while being held lagainst said roller by said spherical weights whereby said sheet is uniformly wetted.

4- In a machine for duplicating on a copy sheet matter imprinted in reverse with dissolvable copying` ink on a master sheet which machine's pro- .vided with means for moistening with a dissolving fluid the under face of said copyv sheet comprising a transversely mounted moistening roller and means for wettingy said moistening roller the combination therewith of a plurality of rollable weights located above said moistening roller within a channel having its lower side open for limiting movement of said weights in a di rection longitudinally of the machine, whereby when a copy sheet is inserted between said moistv ening roller and said rollable weights and the roller turned, said sheet is fed forwardly while being held against said roller by said rollablev weights whereby said sheet is uniformly wetted. 5. In a machine for duplicating Aon a copy sheet matter imprinted in reverse 'with ldissolvable copying ink on ya master sheet which machineffis provided with vmeans for moistening with a dissolving fluid the under face of said copy sheet comprising artransversely mounted moistening roller, thecombination therewith of a trough for receiving said moistening roller, a tiltable container for a supply of moistening fluid, said container being hermetically sealed .except for a passage connecting it with the lower portion of.

said trough whereby iluid may iiow from said container to maintain a predetermined level in said trough and when said container is tilted downwardly fluid in said trough irrespective of the :duid level in said container may ilow back into said container. l

6. In a machine for duplicating on a copy sheet matter imprinted in reverse with dissolvable copying ink on a master sheet which machine is provided with means for moistening with a dissolving fluid the under face of said copy sheet comprising a transversely mounted moistening roller, the combination therewith of a trough for receiving said moistening roller, a tiltable container for a supply of moistening fluid said container being hermetically sealed except for a passage connecting it with the lower portion of said trough whereby fluid may ow from said container to maintain a predetermined level in said trough irrespective of the fluid level in said container and when said container is ?tilted downwardly fluid in said trough may flow back into said container, and closure means for said passage operated as an incident to tilting movement of said container.

7. In a machine for duplicating on a copy sheet matter imprinted in reverse with dissolvable copying ink on a master sheet which machine is provided with means :for moistening with a dissolving fluid the under face of said copy sheet comprising a transversely mounted moistening roller, the combination therewith of a trough for receiving said moistening roller, a tiltable container for a supply of moistening fluid said container being hermetically sealed except for a passage connecting it with the lower portion of said trough whereby fluid may flow from said container to maintain a desired level in said trough and when said container is tilted downwardly fluid in said trough may flow back into said container. and closure means for said passage operated as an incident to tilting movement of said container, said means comprising a transversely slidable member carried by said container and cooperating with stationary cams whereby said slidable member is moved transversely when the container is tilted.

8. In a machine for duplicating on a copy sheet matter imprinted in reverse with dissolvable copying ink on a master sheet which machine is provided with means for moistening with a dissolving fluid the under face of said copy sheet and has a transversely mounted moistening roller the combination therewith of means for wetting said moistening roller comprising a trough for dissolving fluid into which said roller dips, a wiper element carried by said trough above the liquid level and pressed against said roller.

9. In a machine for duplicating on a copy sheet matter imprinted in reverse with dissolvable copying ink on a master sheet which machine is provided with means for moistening with a dissolving fluid the under face of said copy sheet comprising a transversely mounted moistening roller, the combination therewith of a combined trough for said moistening roller and liquid supply tank formed as a unitary structure, a wiper bearing against said roller, said wiper being supported by said combined trough and container.

10. In a machine for duplicating on a copy sheet matter imprinted in reverse with dissolvsheet comprising a transversely mounted moistening roller, the combination therewith of a combined trough for said moistening roller and liquid supply tank formed as a unitary structure one wall of said trough forming a wall of said container, a wiper member bearing against said roller, said common wall being so formed as to form a support for said wiper member.

11. In a machine for duplicating on a copy sheet matter imprinted in reverse with dissolvable copying ink on a master sheet which machine is provided with means for moistening with a dissolving uid the under face of said copy sheet comprising a transversely mounted moistening roller, the combination therewith of a combined trough for said moistening roller and liquid supply tank formed as a unitary structure one wall of said trough forming a wall of said container, a wiper member bearing against said roller, said common wall being so formed as to form a support for said wiper member, and spring means pressing said wiper against said roller, said spring means reacting against a portion of said common Wall.

12. In a machine for duplicating on a copy v sheet matter imprinted in reverse with dissolvable copying ink on a master sheet which machine is provided with means for moistening with a dissolving fluid the under face of said copy sheet comprising a transversely mounted moistening roller, the combination therewith of a combined trough for said moistening roller and liquid supply tank formed as a unitary structure one wall of .said trough forming a wall of said container, a wiper member bearing against said roller, saidv common Wall being formed with a horizontal portion and a portion extending upwardly therefrom, said wiper member lying upon said horizontal portion, and spring means pressing said wiper against said roller and reacting against said upwardly extending portion of said common wall.

13. In a machine for duplicating on a copy sheet matter imprinted in reverse with dissolvable ink on a master sheet, having means for moistening with a dissolving fluid the under face of said copy sheet comprising a transversely mounted moistening roller, the combination therewith of a trough for dissolving fluid and a supply tank for dissolving fluid, said trough and tank being made unitary, a port connecting said trough and supply tank, said supply tank being otherwise hermetically sealed whereby a predetermined level of uid is maintained in said trough, irrespective of the iiuid level in the supply tank. v

14. In a machine for duplicating on a copy sheet matter imprinted in reverse with dissolvable copying ink on a master sheet which machine is provided with means for moistening with a dissolving fluid the under face of said copy sheet comprising a supply tank for said fluid having a large flat upper surface located in front of and in line with the said paper moistening means so that said upper surface serves as a table for the support of a supply of copy paper.

l5. The comination according to claim 14, in which a paper edge guide is provided, said guide being supported upon said tank. A

16. In a machine for duplicating on a copy sheet matter imprinted in reverse with dissolvable copying ink on a master sheet, means for moistening said copy sheet with a dissolving fluid including a supply tankfor said fluid and a paper edge guide supported upon said tank.

.17. In a machine for duplicating on a copy sheet matter imprinted in reverse with dissolvable copying ink on a master sheet, means'for moistening with a dissolving fluid the under face of said copy sheet comprising a transversely mounted nioistening roller and a supply tank for dissolving uid, said tank being pivotallysupported for movement about the axis of the moistening roller. y

18. In a machine for duplicating cna copy sheet matter imprinted in reverse with dissolvable copying ink on a master sheet which machine is provided with means for moistening with a dissolving uid the under 'face of said copy sheet comprising a transversely 'mounted moistening roller, the combination therewith of a wiper co-acting with said moistening roller, a compartment for said wiper so constructed and arranged that the wiper may be placed therein in a plurality of positions, in one of which the wiper bears against the roller and in another inverted position it is fully enclosed to reduce evaporation.

19. In a machine for duplicating on a copy sheet matter imprinted in reverse with dissolvable copying ink on a master sheet which machine is provided with means for moi-Stening with a dissolving fluid the under face of said copy sheet comprising a transversely mounted moistening roller, the combination therewith of a wiper element coacting with said roller, said wiper comprising an elongated strip of wiping material and a box enclosing said strip o-n all sides except that normally facing the roller.

20. In a machine for duplicating on a copy sheet matter imprinted in reverse with dissolvable copying ink on a master sheet which mam chine is provided with means for moistening with a dissolving fluid the under face of said copy sheet comprising a transversely mounted moistening roller, the combination therewith of a wiper element coacting with said roller, said wiper comprising an elongated strip of wiping material and a box enclosing said strip on all sides except that normally facing the roller, a compartment adapted to receive said wiper unit in a plurality of positions in one of which the wiper strip bears against the roller and in another of which the strip is fully enclosed toreduce evaporation.

2l. In a machine for duplicating on a copy sheet matter imprinted in reverse with dissolvable copy ink on a master sheet which machine is provided with lmeans for moistening with a dissolving fluid a face of said copy sheet comprising a transversely mounted moistening roller, the combination therewith of a trough for receiving said moistening roller, a tiltable container for a supply of moistening iiuid said container being hermetically sealed except for a port connecting it with the lower portion of said trough whereby fluid may flow from said container to maintain a predetermined level in said trough irrespective of the fluid level in said container.

and when said container is tilted downwardly fluid in said trough may flow back into said container, a wiper normally coacting with said rnoistening roller, the said parts being so constructed and arranged that the wiper member may be stored in said trough when the machine is not in use and may serve to seal said port.

22. In a machine for duplicating on a copy sheet matter imprinted in reverse with dissolvable copying ink ona master sheet which machine is provided with means for moistening with a dissolving fluid the under face of said copy sheet comprising a transversely mounted moistening roller, means for wetting said moistening roller, the combination'therewith ofpressure means for pressing copy paper againstsaid roller, a, master copy cylinder, driving means for rotating said cylinder and roller', and means operated by said drivingmeans for movingv said pressure means from said roller, said vlast mentioned means serving to position a stop for the leading edge of said copy paper.

23. In a machine vfor duplicating on a copy sheet matter imprinted in reverse with dissolvable copying ink on a master sheet which machine is provided with means for moistening with a dissolving iluid the under face 'of .Saidv copy sheet comprising a transversely mounted moistening roller, means for wetting saidmois-` tening roller, the combination therewith of pres'- sure'means for pressing copy paper againstsaid roller, a master copy cylinder, driving means for rotating said cylinder and roller, and means operated by said driving means for moving said pressure means from said rollerfsaid last mentioned means serving to position a stop for the leading edge of said copy paper, and means for concomitantly `removing said stop and replacing said pressure means.

24. In a machine for duplicating on a copy sheet matter imprinted in reverse with dissolvable copying ink on a master sheet which machine is provided with means for moistening with a dissolving iiuid the under face of said copy sheet comprising a transversely mounted moistening roller, means for wetting said' moistening roller, vthe combinationtherewith of pres-- sure means for pressing copy paper against said roller, a master copy cylinder, driving means' for rotating said cylinder and roller, and a transversely extending member operated by said driving means formed with paper stop means and with members `for moving said pressure means from said roller.

25. In a machine for duplicating on a copy sheet matter imprinted in reverse with dissolvable copying ink on a master sheet which machine is provided with means for moistening with a dissolving fluid the under face of said copy sheet comprising a transversely mounted moistening roller, means for wetting said moistening roller, the combination therewith of pressure means for pressingvcopy paper against said roller comprising a row of balls supported in a channel overlying the moistening roller, a master copy cylinder, driving means for rotating said cylinder and roller, and means operated by said driving means for rocking said channel and lifting said balls from said roller.

26. The combination of claim 25, in which said channel member is provided with stop means for the copy paper so arranged as to be brought into effective position when the balls are in raised position. i

27. In a machine for duplicating on a copy sheet matter imprinted on a master sheet said machine having `a slotted cylinder for said master sheet, a clamping bar extending axially of said cylinder within its periphery and adjacent said slot and a snap-acting spring mechanism acting upon said bar to bias it in one direction or another to hold said bar in clamping relation with one edge of said slot or to hold it away from said edge.

28. The combination of claim 27 in which said clamping bar includes a face of rubber or the like for resiliently clamping the master sheet and for adjusting for inequalities in the surface cooperating therewith.

29. The combination of claim 27 in which said bar is of L-shaped cross-section, one limb thereof serving as a stop to limit the insertion of the master sheet into said slot.

30. In a machine for duplicating on a copy sheet matter imprinted in reverse with dissolvable copying ink on a master sheet which machine is provided with means for moistening with a dissolving fluid the under face of said copy sheet comprising a transversely mounted moistening roller, the combination therewith of a tank for a supply of said iluid, a wiper element coacting with said roller and a plate slidably mounted upon said tank and serving when slid forward to hold said wiper element in position.

31. In a machine for duplicating on a copy sheet matter imprinted in reverse with dissolvable copying ink on a master sheet'which machine is provided with means for moistening with a dissolving fluid the under face of said copy sheet comprising a transversely mounted moistening roller, the combination therewith of a tank for asupply of said fluid, a ller opening therein, a plate slidably mounted upon said tank and serving when in one position to cover and conceal said filler opening.

32. In a machine for duplicating on a copy sheet matter imprinted in reverse with dissolvable copying ink on a master sheet which machine is provided with means for moistening with a dissolving fluid the under face of said copy sheet comprising a transversely mounted moistening roller, the combination therewith of a tank for a supply of said fluid a plate mounted upon said tank and a ller opening in the top of said tank concealable by said plate.

33. In a machine for duplicating on a copy sheet matter imprinted in reverse with dissolvable copying ink on a master sheet which Inachine is provided with means for moistening with a dissolving fluid the under face of said copy sheet comprising a transversely mounted moistening roller, the combination therewith of a tank for a supply of said fluid, a plate slidably mounted upon said tank and a paper edge guide' carried by said plate.

34. In a machine for duplicating on a copy sheet matter imprinted in reverse with dissolv- L able copying ink on a master sheet which machine is provided with means for moistening with a dissolving uid the under face of said copy sheet comprising a transversely mounted moistening roller, the combination therewith of a tank for a supply of said uid, a plate slidably mounted upon said tank in such a way that it will extend beyond the end thereof and serve as a support for long copy paper.

35. In a machine for duplicating on a copy sheet matter imprinted in reverse with dissolvable copying ink on a master sheet which machine is provided with means for moistening with a dissolving uid the under face ofsaid copy sheet comprising a transversely mounted moistening roller, the combination therewith of a tank for a supply of said fluid, a trough in which said roller is located, a port connecting said tank and trough, said tank and trough being of unitary construction and pivoted adjacent said tank so that the tank can be dropped to a point lower than said trough so that the fluid may drain from the trough back into the tank and a ller 0pen ing in the tank so located that when the tank is in dropped position the ller opening will be on approximately the same level as the said port.

36. In a machine for duplicating on a copy sheet matter imprinted in reverse with dissolvable copying ink on a master sheet which machine is provided with means for moistening with a dissolving uid the under face of said copy sheet comprising a transversely mounted moistening roller, means for wetting said moistening roller, the combination therewith of means for pressing said copy sheet against the moistening roller, means including a master sheet cylinder for feeding the copy paper, the pressing means being so related to said moistening roller and the said paper feeding means that the copy paper is bent around the moistening roller to increase its area of contact therewith.

37. In a machine for duplicating on a copy sheetmatter imprinted in reverse with dissolvable copying ink on a master sheet which machine is provided with means for moistening with a dissolving iiuid the under face of said copy sheet comprising a transversely mounted moistening roller, the combination therewith of a master cylinder is slightly greater than that of the moistening roller so that the copy paper will be dragged over the moistening roller.

BENJAMIN D. GILBERT.

Patent No. 2,278,19'?

CERTIFICATE 0F coRREcTIoN.

Merch 51, 19M.

BENJAMIN D. GI LBERT.

It is hereby certified that error appears in the printed specification of the above numbered patent requiring correction as follows: Page 6, first column, lines 5 and Il, claim 5, strike out the words "irrespective of the fluid level inl said container" and insert the same after "trough" in line and that the said Letters Patent should be read with this 2, same claim;

nform to the record of the case correction therein that the same may co I in the Patent Office.

signed and sealed this lbh day of June, A. D. 19h2.

' Henry Van Arsdale,

i (Seal) Acting Commissioner of Patent s. 

